EXPLORE THE HISTORY OF THE UNIVERSE – Dr. John Sloan, director of the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission (NJMC) William D. McDowell Observatory, will guide attendees on a scientific journey through the history of the universe, from its birth through what we know about its possible fate. The free, all-ages session is on Wednesday, March 5 from 3 to 4 p.m. Registration is recommended and appreciated. To register visit www.njmeadowlands.gov/ec of call (201) 460-8300. The NJMC Science Center is at 3 DeKorte Park Plaza, Lyndhurst.

The following is a schedule of upcoming maternity classes at Palisades Medical Center. To register or for more information, call Robin Petrick at (201) 295-4823. Palisades Medical Center is located at 7600 River Road in North Bergen.

Sibling Preparation for Birth Classes – Children will learn the exciting parts of being a big brother or sister while explaining safety issues like holding the baby properly. This is a fun and effective way to teach soon-to-be-siblings (ages 3+) all about babies. Cost is $25 per family. March 7 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Childbirth Education Series (Two-Day Course) – Topics include understanding the labor process, breathing and relaxation techniques to work with your body, the role of the support person, options for pain medications and medical interventions, Caesarean birth, understand your changing body after birth, newborn appearance and procedures after birth. The childbirth education series also includes a tour of Palisades Medical Center’s labor and delivery unit. Cost is $125 per couple if delivering at PMC; $150 if delivering elsewhere. Classes on March 8 and March 11 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Newborn Baby Care Classes – The class covers the basics of newborn care, starting with the appearance and characteristics of a newborn. Other topics include bonding, understanding cues, crying, colic, safety measures, health and development, sponge bathing and bathing. Participants practice swaddling, dressing, and diapering. Cost is $35 per couple if delivering at PMC; $50 if delivering elsewhere. March 22 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Keys To Successful Breastfeeding – Topics include the importance of skin-to-skin contact, latching techniques, supply and demand as related to breastfeeding, positioning for breastfeeding, indications for breast pumps, including a demo, dad’s role in the breastfeeding relationship, and community resources available post-delivery for breastfeeding assistance. Dads are encouraged to attend. Cost is $35 per couple if delivering at PMC; $50 if delivering elsewhere. March 24 from 7 to 9:30 p.m.

Awards for those who champion civil rights

USA Network in partnership with Cablevision announced the launch of the fourth Characters Unite Awards, a program to recognize extraordinary individuals who have made significant and lasting efforts to champion civil and human rights in their communities.

The nomination period for the 2014 Characters Unite Awards began February 3 and runs through March 31. Entries, including a maximum 500-word essay on how the nominee meets the criteria of character, impact and influence, can be submitted online at charactersunite.com. Complete rules and regulations are also posted on the website.

Winners, announced in the spring, will receive $5,000 grants to support their project or related nonprofit organization and will be featured by USA on-air and online. They will also be honored this year at a ceremony presented by Cablevision and USA.

Last year, ten Characters Unite Awards recipients were selected from hundreds of nominees for their successful efforts to combat prejudice and discrimination in their communities. Teacher Linda Michalski from Benedictine Academy in New Jersey was honored by Cablevision and USA Network for her extraordinary efforts in motivating her students to help abolish human trafficking.

To learn more about previous Characters Unite Award recipients or to find more information on Characters Unite, visit charactersunite.com.

Free Vein Screening at Englewood Hospital and Medical Center

The Center for Vein Disease at Englewood Hospital and Medical Center (EHMC) will offer free vein screenings on March 22, 24 and April 3 to men and women with visible, abnormal leg veins such as bulging varicose veins or spider veins. Those who experience leg pain or have a history of blood clots are encouraged to attend. Most vein problems can be managed on an outpatient basis with local anesthesia.

Patients with varicose veins should know the early warning signs of vein disease to help prevent potential complications. Symptoms include aching, throbbing or swelling in the legs, ankles or feet. Patients with previous blood clots should also be screened.

The screening includes a physical examination and a thorough review of medical history and treatment options. If further evaluation is needed, a follow-up appointment for non-invasive testing can be scheduled.

Screenings will take place on Saturday, March 22 and Monday, March 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and on Thursday, April 3 from 2 to 5 p.m. Pre-registration is required. Call (866)-980-3462 or visit www.englewoodhospital.com and click the “Classes and Support Groups” tab.

The Center for Vein Disease is on the third floor of Englewood Hospital and Medical Center at 350 Engle Street, Englewood.

¡Que felices son las Barbies! premieres Thursday, March 6

¡Qué felices son las Barbies! (How Happy Barbies Are!) is an onstage journey based on the plastic surgery nightmares and obsessive dieting of Barbara Perez, a cabaret singer whose ultimate goal is to look just like the Malibu Barbie she played with as a child. The monologue is made up of a series of adventures and mishaps – from a childhood scarred by poverty, alcoholism and sexual violence to a parade of her many, many exes to the tune of traditional boleros and merengues.

This production has a powerful message that is universal, not just focused on Latinas, about self-image, plastic surgery addictions, and obsession with appearances. Because of this ultimately empowering and uplifting message, it is premiering during March, International Women’s History Month, with a limited run through April. The show is presented by Repertorio Español, the preeminent Spanish language theater in the U.S., with performances at the Gramercy Arts Theatre, 138 East 27th Street, New York.

The mind behind this piece is Wanda Arriaga, a resident of Hudson County. Ms. Arriaga is one of the Hispanic-American Community’s most accomplished stage actresses as well as a co-founder of the Teatro Círculo, a prestigious Spanish language theater in New York.

With sharp dialogue, witty humor, ingenious direction and live music, Ms. Arriaga defends womankind from the social pressures of what it means to be beautiful, displaying her many talents in this one-woman show.

Simultaneous English translations will be provided to those members of the audience who do not speak Spanish.

For information and show times call (212) 225-9999 or visit www.repertorio.org.